Rider Scholarships

Anon rider (800x443)

It is our goal at SMART to provide our services to all eligible individuals in need of the benefits of therapeutic riding and driving, regardless of their financial situation. Currently, the Program Fees collected amount to only 11% of our total revenues. SMART relies heavily on the support of foundations, trusts, grants, businesses and individuals to continue our programs.

That is why it is so important that we constantly seek funding to support our program and our participants.

By contributing to our Rider Scholarship program, or “Sponsoring a Rider” for one year at $2,500, you will help to cover the costs of weekly therapeutic riding lessons for our SMART Riders.

Memorial Scholarship Funds

Some beloved members of the SMART family passed on creating memorial scholarship funds. Donations made in their name have been designated for scholarships over the next few years.

Albie Frank

The Albie Frank Memorial Scholarship Fund

Andrew & Edward Memorial Scholaship

Andrew and Edward Memorial Scholarship

Steven Pelletz

The Steven Pelletz Memorial Scholarship Fund

Michael Karam Memorial Scholarship

Michael Karam Memorial Scholarship

leslie gossett

Leslie Gossett Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Supporters

Thank you to the following organizations, foundations, and individuals for supporting our SMART Riders & Drivers through their generous gifts to the Scholarship Fund:

  • The Green Family Foundation
  • Jerome & Mildred Paddock Foundation
  • Manatee Memorial Hospital Foundation/Auxiliary
  • Enterprise Holdings Foundation
  • Knights of Columbus, Council 12155, Parrish
  • Crane Fund for Widows and Children
  • Low-Slope Solutions
  • Lakewood Ranch Community Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation
  • Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation
  • Wells Fargo
  • Entre Nous
  • Manasota BUDS
  • The Karam Family in Memory of Michael Anthony Karam
  • Individual Donors to our Memorial Scholarship Funds
  • Florida Winefest & Auction
  • Longboat Island Chapel
  • Church of the Annunciation
  • Autism Services Grants Council and the Autism License Plate Fund
  • Pelletz Family Foundation
  • Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club
  • American Legion Auxiliary, North Manatee Unit 309
  • Our Military Kids
  • Howard & Laura Karasick
  • Bety N. Giles Charitable Foundation
  • Cheers for Charity
  • Wawa Foundation
  • Misdee Wrigley and James Mather Miller Charitable Foundation
  • Bank of America Client Foundation, Frederic W. and Margaret D. Kurtz Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee
  • Arthur T. Esslinger Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County (HPOT Scholarships)
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